Palov culture and tradition was inscribed to the UNESCO Representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016. Palov culture and tradition is practiced among all socio-cultural entities living in rural and urban areas of Uzbekistan: families, local communities, professional associations, cooking instructors, musicians and traditional handicrafts artisans. Palov culture and tradition originated many centuries ago, spread out within all territory of Uzbekistan. Differences of agriculture environment made an impact on regional diversity related with ingredients and cooking technologies. However, key palov ingredients are the same: plant oil, meat, onion, carrot, rice, spices and water. Chefs Association of Uzbekistan is actively involved in promotion of palov culture and traditions in society through various activities. The main objectives of the symposium are to encourage research that documents culinary traditions and to recognize gastronomy as cultural heritage and fully integrate it into cultural, agricultural, tourism, and educational policies. The event will promote culinary arts and develop sustainable food systems based on evolving cultural traditions, empower youth and communities to preserve and develop their gastronomic heritage, investing in producers, and protecting regional ways of life.

Programme

In addition to palov culture and traditions the program of the symposium includes presentation of papers on gastronomy and culinary arts worldwide inscribed to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The symposium will elaborate action plans for local and regional initiatives that promote culinary arts and foster inclusive dialogue that unites cultures and generations through the shared language of gastronomy.

Venue: Association of Cooks of Uzbekistan, Tashkent

Address: 354 Oltintepa Street, Mirzo-Ulugbek District, Tashkent 100050, Uzbekistan

Date and start time: 17^th October 2026, at 09:30 AM (GMT+5)

Join online: https://calendar.app.google/utyWxruWTTziqJANA

Registration telephone: +998 71 266 77 78 | +998 71 266 78 00

Email: uz-chefs@mail.ru Website: www.chefs.uz

Free entrance

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMME

09:30-10:00 Registration (arrival of participant, registration)

10:00-10:15 Opening session

 Welcome by the Chef Association of Uzbekistan, introduction to the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

10:15-11:15 Research on palov culture, regional traditions and the transmission of knowledge within families and communities (presentations by participants).

11:15-11:30 Discussion

11:30-12:00 Documentation, culinary education and the role of younger generations in safeguarding traditions (presentation by participants)

12:00-12:20 Samarkand bread baking traditions

12:20-13:50 Masterclass on Uzbek palov preparation (along with lunch)

13:50-14:30 Exhibition on palov regional methods, flavour and serving traditions

14:30-15:15 Safeguarding of culinary heritage: exchange between practitioners and researchers

15:15-15:30 Closing session

Text as provided by the organiser(s).